Plug-in vehicles.
Fitting market-scale EVs into the distribution grid
Today it is no longer “if” but rather “when” market scale electric vehicle (EV) will be achieved. Plug-in vehicles (PEVs) have become a topic of focus of bulk system operators, along with demand response, renewables and smart grid. In the US, ISOs / RTOs are well positioned to be a leader in Smart Grid—and PEVs are an issue that is best evaluated from a system-wide perspective versus a territorial initiative perspective.
The majority of PEV units will be residential, offering a new frontier in load flexibility in the distribution system. The US Congress is focusing on the bulk transmission grid and commercial and industrial (C&I) applications. However, the focus should be on the residential-side and the impact on the distribution grid. Particular attention needs to be given to understanding customer behavior and avoiding overloading distribution transformers and systems.
EVs for today’s and tomorrow’s grid
PEVs will need to fit into a system without a charging station infrastructure. They also will need to be capable of fitting into a smarter grid. “Smart charging” technology—coupling electric vehicles with GPS-based locational technology and a 120 kv extension cord—and “on-board metering” enables instantaneous demand response and ensures that PEVs will work on today’s and tomorrow’s grid.
Based on current market development and characterization studies, PEVs can provide a controllable load to the grid. And PEVs can be an excellent dispatchable resource through smart charging—allowing matching load to generation at multiple scales of interest: hours, seconds-to-minutes, sub-second response.
About the Utility of the Future conference
KEMA’s 2nd annual Utility of the Future executive conference was held June 18 – 19, 2009 in Washington DC.
For information on the panel participants and keynote speakers, download the conference summary Whitepaper, “Utility of the Future: Navigating energy sustainability.”
Thoughts, comments or insights? Join the KEMA Utility of the Future conversation.
KEMA’s 2nd annual Utility of the Future conference session summaries.
The utility industry is at a point of historic transformation. Communications, collaboration and innovation are key to how well utilities will fare in a fast-paced, always-on future.
Transforming the sustainable energy future requires significant investment in smart grid, energy efficiency and renewable technologies.
The Smart Grid is the foundation for Smart Energy.
Rules make markets. And rules are driving the immediate action on Smart Grid.
There continues to be significant regulatory uncertainty in energy generation—particularly so in light of the American Climate and Energy Security Act.
The utility industry expects to see new carbon policy limiting carbon emissions during the current administration.
Energy storage is a transformative technology—it has the potential to change everything.
Smart grid technology is a bridge that connects generation supply, demand and customers. To make it work, we need to know what customers are going to do.